Re[2]: Canopy trees for med climate



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Subject:    Re: Canopy trees for med climate
Author: nsterman@mindsovermatter.com (Nan Sterman)
Date:       1/20/00 1:20 PM

Good question, Deborah.  By canopy, I am referring to a tall tree (more
than 25 ft maybe) that can be planted with the intent of it's buffering the
plants below from the environment (sun, rain, wind, etc.).  I know this is
a squirrely definition but let me give you an example -- When we look at
most modern landscapes, the tallest elements are trees that are often about
20 ft tall and are often used as specimen trees with nothing planted below.
Contrat that to a 'subtropical' garden I visited recently nearby.  The
owner/designer told me that he spent years and $ traveling throughout the
world to subtropical and desert habitats, collecting plants and bringing
them back to create his own subtropical environment.  He said that after
many years, he realized that he had been going about it all wrong, that
what created the kind of environment he had been looking to create was
canopy trees.  He said that he could have planted the most common palms,
ferns, etc. and still created the look he wanted if he had realized that he
needed those canopy trees.  He has planted Enterolobium cyclocarpon (or
I've also seen it spelled cyclocarpum), Quercus agrifolia, and Q.
virginiana as his canopy trees and he indeed has a garden that looks as if
it came straight from Madagascar (or at least what my image of madagascar
is).

So, that makes me think about tall trees and how I'd like to integrate some
into the gardens near my house to provide shade, cooling, etc., but my
concern is which tall  trees are safe to plant near a building (i.e. no
problems with roots invading the foundation, branches falling on the roof,
etc.

How's that for an answer!!!  : }

Nan


So what you want is an evergreen, upper layer and a little drama maybe?

Pinus canariensis is used near multi-story buildings up here
and I have seen no problems with it. Its a gorgeous pine which with some age
develops an attractive tiered look. Grows to about 60 ft here and quite narrow.
Many palms would suit the purpose as long as you kept the skirt 
pruned off so as not to have falling fronds and fire and rodent issues...
And you are in a good palm climate. I find them wierd and out of place up
here...especialy marching up Market street in S.F.-ak I won't start...
Podocarpus gracilior is a beaut and well behaved in my experience, likewise
P. macrophyllus. Tristania conferta might do nicely, would form a nice round
crown at 60 ft or so (maybe more in So.Cal.?)after some years. I haven't heard
of it giving problems with limb drop, but check with others.

best,

Deborah
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